Volume 4 Chapter 14 The Four-Limbed Statue
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Starting today, we began our full exploration of the 5th floor.
As soon as we left the back alley, Hinoki spoke from my shadow.
’Big bro,’ Hinoki said.
”What is it?” I asked.
’This floor reeks,’ they replied.
”Reeks?”
’Since we entered this dungeon, I felt something off. Now I get it. This dungeon, it’s in there.’
”In it…?”
’No, not “in.” I mean present. It exists. I feel a faint power. Someone is probably holding a piece of my power.’
”Seriously…?”
Hinoki’s information, plus our earlier conversation. If I put it together, does a Unique Variant have a piece of Hinoki’s power?
’I feel it too. There’s a weird vibe coming from deeper in. I can track the presence.’
”Can you tell where the monster using your power is hiding?”
’I can tell you the general direction,’ Hinoki said. They sounded as blunt as ever.
Komoda-kun said the target Unique Variant was further in than the stairs.
If we go toward the presence Hinoki found, we might find the stairs too.
”Minoru-sama, enemies,” Yurina said. Her voice was short and professional.
Yurina’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
A rat leaped out of the manhole. Dealing with these guys is the priority.
Fortunately, there were only five. We broke through easily and used little Mana.
After we killed the monsters, I told the group about Hinoki’s find. We moved toward the Unique Variant.
We passed through several plazas. We fought yankees each time. Rats also appeared on the road. We got closer to the Unique Variant. Our Mana slowly drained as we walked. Then, we found a back alley.
A back alley leading to the 6th floor.
Normally, we should just go to the next level. But this time, we’ll stay on this floor.
If the floor is wrong when Komoda’s group tries to summon me, it won’t go well.
Plus, it would be good to check if the statue really exists at the summoning spot.
If the statue is there, Komoda-kun’s story is more likely true.
’This way,’ Hinoki called.
We followed the giant Centipede.
We fought rats and yankees again. Then, we found the plaza.
It was different from the others. A statue stood in the center.
’That’s it,’ Hinoki said.
No doubt about it. That was the statue Hinoki found. A Unique Variant.
”Should we dive in?” Mitsuki asked.
’Intrude?’ Hinoki added.
Mitsuki and Hinoki asked at the same time, with slightly different tones. I shook my head.
The condition for the first entry is seven people. If our group dives in now, we might ruin the “first time” condition for when Komoda’s group enters.
”We’ll wait here for now. Wait until we’re called,” I directed.
”We came all the way inside the Yui-structure, huh~,” Yui chimed in. “It was a long way. Maybe nothing’s happening today?”
”That might be true. If so, then next time,” I said.
”We still have time before the practical training ends, though~,” Yui said.
We arrived here by the shortest route, guided by Hinoki.
Let’s kill some time exploring the area.
We fought the rats a few more times. Just as we caught our breath, the tally began to glow.
”Is this… a call?” I wondered.
”Looks like it~ Maybe sooner than I thought~” Yui said.
”Well, if we’re called, we just have to go,” I said.
”Be careful~” Yui cheered.
”I’m heading out,” I said.
I gripped the tally and poured Mana into it. The scenery around me twisted and warped.
It felt like returning to the entrance after clearing a Daily dungeon. The space returned to normal. I noticed Komoda’s group standing before me instead of Chifumi and the others.
”Sorry to keep you waiting,” Komoda-kun said.
”It’s fine. The timing was perfect for us, too,” I replied.
While greeting Komoda-kun, I checked my surroundings and my own state.
Nothing particularly different… except a special Mana wave covered me. The tally was working to keep me in a different world-line (an alternate version of reality).
”That’s good. …Let’s get to it. That is the Unique Variant and its spawn point. I want you to come with us,” Komoda-kun said.
”Hmm…?” I hummed.
Komoda-kun pointed to the plaza with the statue.
It was the same sight I saw in the other world-line’s dungeon. What we saw was correct.
But… what is it? I feel uneasy.
”What’s wrong?” Komoda-kun asked.
”No… it’s just… the statue is really there in the center of the plaza.”
’Something’s different… not the same as what we saw earlier,’ Hinoki whispered.
I gave Komoda-kun a vague answer.
Hinoki whispered from my shadow that the statue was different.
Purged monsters count as my equipment. So, they crossed the world-line with me. Many monsters were waiting in the shadows.
’Well, shall we try fighting it? You learn a lot from making contact,’ Hinoki suggested.
I nodded at Hinoki’s words.
Komoda-kun looked at me with a puzzled expression. So, I answered him out loud.
”I have a strange feeling. It might be a side effect of traveling between world-lines. …My body moves fine, and my Mana flow is okay. I can fight. If we’re diving, I’ll follow,” I stated.
”Thank you, that helps,” Komoda-kun said.
Komoda-kun briefly introduced his group members.
The Vanguard had a girl with large gauntlets and a girl with a massive hammer. The Mid-guard was Komoda-kun and a girl with a spear. The Rearguard was a girl with a bow and a girl with a staff. The staff girl was the leader-type girl who always talked to Chifumi. Muto-san.
”We’ll handle the yankees. I need you to help fight the Unique Variant,” Komoda-kun instructed.
”What info do you have on the Unique Variant?” I asked.
”Two things. First, it’s a very tough monster. It moves and stops. When it stops, it gets even harder,” Komoda-kun explained.
”Hmm…?” I muttered.
”We intend to fight the Unique Variant ourselves. You can just protect yourself,” he added.
”Understood,” I affirmed.
’First, let’s see what they’ve got~’ Hinoki whispered.
We entered the plaza last. Yankees appeared in front of us.
Eight in total. There are many in the Yui-structure. But Komoda’s group finished them easily. The rumors about their high dungeon scores are true.
The yankees vanished. We finished collecting the uniform patches. Then, the plaza’s atmosphere changed.
If this were a game, a narrator would say, “A powerful enemy has appeared!”
The statue on the stone pedestal began to move.
The statue was humanoid, with an unnaturally large left arm. It looked like the Runaway State Anatomical model. Its whole body was shiny bronze. The statue stepped off the pedestal with a heavy thud. Then, it stopped moving. It covered its own face with its giant left arm.
…Five seconds passed.
The statue started moving again.
It ran very fast. It stopped suddenly in front of the two Vanguard members. They hurriedly took defensive stances. It felt very unnatural. It was like someone pressed pause on a video while it was mid-dash. Only its left arm was in a strange pose… 3 seconds later, the statue moved again like nothing happened.
What kind of monster is this?
It was like playing a new game on an old computer. Or like someone randomly pressing pause and play during a movie. It was confusing and very creepy.
The Vanguard girl with the hammer hit the statue while it was stopped. The moment she did, it started moving and dodged. But at the next stop, it didn’t dodge. The hammer hit it directly. It seems it does not stop and move based on sensing attacks.
The time it stayed stopped changed between 2 and 10 seconds. There seemed to be no rule.
I couldn’t understand its strange movements. There was no point in worrying about it. I’ll just treat it as “that’s how it is” and deal with it. Komoda’s group must have thought so too. The members started using sorcery one after another.
When the monster is stopped, we can attack freely.
Yet, we couldn’t push through. It was too hard.
The monster didn’t use its left arm for attacks. It punched with its right arm and kicked with its legs. Everyone felt the same oddness. Following Komoda-kun’s orders, they fired various attacks at the statue’s left arm while it was stopped.
Direct blows, spear thrusts, arrows, and attack sorcery.
The statue remained intact after all of it. There were no signs of real damage. Only shallow scratches on the surface. The left arm was abnormally hard. But other parts weren’t soft either. The situation was just “less bad” because scratches stayed on the other parts.
Seeing this, the members started attacking other places.
The battle continued. A lot of time had passed since it started. The statue’s movement speed was fast when it moved. It showed no signs of weakening. It took powerful attacks over and over. It had many scratches on parts other than the left arm. But they didn’t look like effective damage. It was a monster with crazy hardness.
’Maybe it’s a Binding Vow (a magical promise),’ Hinoki suggested.
’It makes a vow not to move. In return, it takes less damage when stopped. That kind of Binding Vow,’ Hinoki explained. Their voice had its usual Northern ring.
Are there really monsters that make such stupid Binding Vows?
’Monsters are defined by being absurd and irrational. Actually, it’s working well right now, isn’t it?’ Hinoki noted.
True.
For example, being invincible just by stopping. A statue-monster based on “Daruma-san ga koronda” (a Japanese Red Light, Green Light game)? I’ve never heard of it, but…
’So? What are you going to do? Shouldn’t you do something before the older sisters run out of stamina?’ Hinoki urged.
The Vanguard girls were firing full-power attacks. Now, they looked tired. Komoda-kun in the Mid-guard swung his sword. He also directed the group members. I spoke to him when he backed away from the statue.
”Komoda-kun,” I called.
”What is it?” he asked.
Komoda-kun answered me. He kept his eyes on the statue and directed the girls. I told him I was joining the fight.
”Can I attack too?” I asked.
”Don’t worry. We can still do this,” he replied.
”I won’t get in your way. There’s something I want to try. I want to fire Shock Sorcery when the statue is moving. Is that okay?” I asked.
”……Understood. Do it right after its next stop,” he commanded.
”Got it,” I said.
I summoned Tempura and took aim.
Ten seconds later, I fired a mild sorcery at the moving statue.
With a bang, the statue moved violently.
”!?” Komoda-kun gasped.
Komoda-kun’s eyes widened.
The statue had kept its balance from every attack until now. This time, it looked like it would be blown away. Also, a clear dent formed on its surface. It was clearly taking damage.
”It seems better to attack when it’s moving,” I noted.
”I see. Thanks for the help,” he said.
Now that we know the trick, it’s ours.
By attacking right when it started to move, the statue was wounded, bent, and crushed. Finally, the giant hammer crushed it. The monster vanished into smoke.
All that remained were two metal fragments of the same shape. They looked like models of a left arm. They must be drop items.
Komoda-kun picked them up. He handed one of the metal fragments to me.
”That saved us. The answer was to attack when there’s no opening. It’s a nasty monster,” he laughed.
”Weren’t you told the strategy for the Unique Variant?” I asked.
”At least, I didn’t know,” he admitted.
”From now on, people should share this info,” I suggested.
”No doubt,” he agreed.
Behind Komoda-kun, the Vanguard members were out of breath. They had used a lot of Mana. But it was good that no one was badly hurt. They successfully killed the monster. My job here was done.
I had barely done anything but watch. Since I got a drop item out of this, it was a good trade.
”Well then, I’m heading back,” I said.
”Thank you. I’ll come to thank you later,” he promised.
”I already got my reward. Don’t worry about it. …Well then, see you,” I said.
”Take care,” he replied.
Holding up the metal fragment, I took out the tally. I poured Mana into it.
The tally slowly turned into particles of light. The scenery around me distorted.
The distortion returned to normal as the tally disappeared. I returned to the spot before I moved through the world-line. I was back where Chifumi and the others were waiting.
”Welcome back~” Chifumi greeted.
”I’m home,” I said.
”Took quite a while, didn’t it~” she added.
”Komoda’s group had a hard time. But, we got the spoils of war,” I explained.
I showed the metal fragment to everyone.
”What’s this?” Risa asked.
”An item dropped by the Unique Variant. With this, we can strengthen the floor boss,” I said.
”So this is it~” Risa mused.
I looked at the metal fragment shaped like a left arm. I remembered the unease I felt earlier.
”That’s right. Can I go back to that plaza with the statue from earlier?” I asked.
”Sure, but~… what’s wrong?” she asked.
”There’s something I want to check,” I stated.
We all went back to the special plaza.
The statue was visible. Sure enough, it was different.
”Hinoki,” I called.
’What?’ they replied.
”That thing is different from the one from earlier, right?” I asked.
’Yeah. What do you know, the right arm is huge,’ Hinoki noted.
”…So it’s a different individual, then?” I asked.
’Probably,’ they said.
We were watching the statue from outside the plaza. It was different from the one Komoda’s group just killed. This one had an enlarged right arm. Did this difference mean something?
Risa asked me, seeing me deep in thought.
”What? Are you worried about it?” Risa asked.
”Hmm… if you ask if I’m worried, I’m worried,” I mused.
”And if you ask if you’re not?” she teased.
”No… I guess I am worried,” I admitted.
”What’s with that? In that case, why don’t you check it up close?” Risa suggested.
I had already gotten the necessary items.
If we enter the plaza, yankees will likely spawn. But we had enough health and Mana to fight a few more times. Indeed, it might be fine to look closer.
”We’re diving in. Ready?” I asked.
”Understood~” Chifumi confirmed.
With Chifumi’s okay, we dove into the plaza.
Nine yankees appeared. Chifumi swept them all away with area sorcery. No problem.
”Huh!? What?” Risa gasped.
”Minoru-sama!?” Yurina cried.
Risa and Yurina were picking up the uniform patches. Suddenly, they cried out. The atmosphere had changed completely.
It was the same presence I felt in the other world-line when a Unique Variant appears.
’Big bro, did we screw up here…?’ Hinoki asked.
I didn’t need to hear Hinoki’s words.
Everyone here realized it. The condition for the Unique Variant to appear had been met.
In the direction everyone was looking, the statue began to move.
The statue’s right arm was enlarged. It turned its blank face toward me.
It had no eyes, nose, or mouth. Yet, I instinctively knew. The statue was focusing on me.
—
Summary:
Minoru and his group coordinate with Komoda-kun to defeat a Unique Variant in a specific world-line. After successfully obtaining a drop item, Minoru returns to his original world-line and investigates the corresponding plaza to compare statues. His team inadvertently triggers the spawn condition for a second, different Unique Variant.
—
Trivia:
The Unique Variant’s movement pattern resembles a video pause/play function.
The statue’s hardness is linked to a Binding Vow condition of remaining stationary.
Minoru’s subjugated monsters function as equipment, allowing them to traverse world-lines with him.
The appearance of the Unique Variant differs based on which limb is enlarged.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• Hinoki – A three-meter, Oni-fied centipede Phantom born from the sea and subdued by Minoru, speaking from within his shadow in a regional dialect. Serving as Minoru’s mount, tactical advisor, and defensive shield, this reliable ally perfectly coordinates joint strikes. Known for sorcery, venom, and dungeon manipulation, they split into smaller forms, use chains, and possess a power attracting Unique Variants.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Komoda – An eccentric, polite male classmate from the influential Michinori family. A calculated leader of a dungeon-exploring group, he possesses deep, secret knowledge of mechanics and unique variants. Recognizing Minoru, he cordially approaches him at a dungeon entrance to propose a tactical alliance, leveraging his insider data with the ultimate intent of summoning Minoru into his group.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• Minoru – A lean, black-haired student and transmigrated sorcerer leads a dungeon party in a reversed-beauty world. Wearing a uniform, this pragmatic, risk-averse master uses Tatemiya magic, an iron whip, and shadow/space sorcery to control monsters. He strategically manages route coordination and contract pacts with other teams. He maintains complex bonds with his female squad, including his childhood friend, partner Risa, recruit Mitsuki, and sister Mai, while saving his energy for an upcoming duel.
• Yurina – Black-haired, refined Plain-folk student and Kibe-born Kendo club vanguard swordswoman in Minoru’s squad, serving as his devoted, intimate partner whom she alerts to enemies. Polite, stoic, and emotionally stable, this childhood protector to Chifumi shares Risa’s distrust of the Komoda group. Wielding a swift katana and Severing Sorcery to explore dungeons, she becomes a duplicate facility guide after the Phantom devours her.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• Centipede – A former high-level Apparition currently reduced to a powerless, disembodied state. It speaks with a manipulative, merchant-like tone.
• Mitsuki – A tall, dark-skinned transfer student with a lean, athletic yet explosive hourglass figure, she is Minoru’s deeply devoted childhood friend, rival, and clingy Witch/Majo. Wielding a heavy Kanabo club with destructive black Oni-fication and rare healing sorcery, this top assassin candidate leads the Onigahara Dojo and their neutral vanguard group with Manaka and Koki, serving her Master, Minoru.
• Yui – One of the Futami twins, Yuu’s sister, and Minoru’s childhood friend, this private school student has short hair with a white lock and wears pink/black attire. A blunt, low-tension Onibara disciple, she uses knife techniques and curse arts in the Shisei group and allows Clams to manifest. Though usually observant, she shows a bubbly, carefree demeanor during exploration. She was eaten by the Phantom.
• Chifumi – Scrawny, long-haired frost-water sorceress and first-year Lead Majo, she is an intellectual strategist who masks a sharp demeanor with bubbly, dramatic idol poses. As Minoru’s childhood friend, protector, and top harem member, this brass band member coordinates the team and interacts with Muto. Despite a low mana pool, she uses a water staff for destructive, range-based AOE magic to explore dungeons.
• Muto – A member of Komoda’s group who exchanges information with others. The leader-type girl within Komoda’s group who carries a staff and interacts with Chifumi.
• Tempura – A crayfish-sized, shrimp-like Phantom and subjugated spirit deployed alongside others in combat. Captured a decade ago, this sharp-tongued, comedic oddity is Minoru’s loyal subordinate and offensive partner, channeling destructive shockwaves via shock sorcery known to the protagonist. Now an instructor, they train Clams and mentor newcomers while fighting as a team.
• Risa – A tall, well-endowed Plain-folk student and disciplined Onibara practitioner from the Naruse merchant guild, she is Minoru’s dutiful childhood friend, servant, and group member who defers to Chifumi and knows Yurina. Lacking innate sorcery, this cautious, protective Shooting club member trains hard, sniping monsters with firearms while harvesting loot, scanning dungeons, and suspecting Komoda.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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